The Internet has opened up a world of information for anyone with a computer and a connection. Your children will learn about computers, but just as you wouldn't send your children near a busy road without some safety rules, you shouldn't send them on to the Information Superhighway without rules of the road. Too many dangers from pedophiles to con artists can reach children (and adults) through the Internet. Here are some Internet guidelines:
- Explain that although a person may be alone in a room using the computer, once logged on to the Internet, he or she is no longer alone.
- Set aside time to explore the Internet together.
- The best tool a child has for screening material found on the Internet is his or her brain.
- Choose a commercial online service that offers parental control features.
- Purchase blocking software and design your own safety system.
- Monitor your children when they are online and monitor the time they spend online.
Tell your children:
- To let you know immediately if they find something scary or threatening on the Internet.
- Never to give out their name, address, telephone number, password, school name, parent's name or any other personal information.
- Never agree to respond to messages that have bad words or seem scary or just weird.
- Never to enter an area that charges for services without asking you first.
- Never send a picture of themselves to anyone without your permission.
Information provided by the National Crime Prevention Council.
For more information contact:
Crime Prevention Officer Erica Geschrei
(920) 236-7309
(920)727-2888 ext 7309